Volvo Group in India, Ericsson and Bharti Airtel have come together to explore the potential of Extended Reality (XR), digital twin technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing sector. The partnership aims to leverage 5G and 5G Advanced to transform industrial operations, improve workforce training and real-time process optimisation.

As per the understanding, the research will be conducted at the Volvo Group Factory and Volvo Group’s R&D Centre in Bengaluru. The facilities will explore industrial Metaverse applications including human and machine interaction and collaboration, which means a blend of physical and digital worlds. The idea is to enhance efficiency, foster innovation in manufacturing and real-time optimisation using AI technologies.

The partnership will leverage high-speed 5G network to test ‘what if’ scenarios and improve production workflow. They will also explore potential new revenue streams and business models for the telcos.

Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India, said, “Our industry is undergoing a once in a lifetime transformation driven by the emerging trends across automation, connectivity and alternative energy carriers – tools which will be key in our ambitions to be net zero and shape a sustainable future for all. This transformation also includes the way we work and collaborate across our industrial and R&D sites. 5G, coupled with extended reality applications, will help foster innovation as well as collaboration between our sites and engineers, in real-time, through the power of connectivity & digitalization backed by advanced AI technologies.”

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business, said, “We are thrilled to leverage the capabilities of our advanced 5G network for innovative industrial applications in partnership with Ericsson and Volvo Group. Through this collaboration, our high-speed, low latency 5G network will redefine and transform the manufacturing sector by enabling real-time XR applications for enhanced productivity and efficiencies, unlocking new revenue streams and accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 applications.”

Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, said, "As India embraces Industry 4.0, 5G will be a game-changer towards enabling intelligent, connected, and immersive industrial experiences. This collaboration with Airtel and Volvo Group underscores Ericsson’s commitment to driving innovation through 5G and extended reality. By combining our expertise in network technology with cutting-edge XR applications, we are creating an ecosystem that will help industries to transform manufacturing. The research insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of industrial digitalization, not just in India but globally."

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Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup E3 Electric.Ai has commenced production of its electric scooter, the E3 Trion, at its manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in batches from 7 October 2026, coinciding with the company's second anniversary.

The E3 Trion is offered in three variants – C1, C1X and C2 – designed for individual, family and commercial users. The variants will be delivered in phased schedules across six colour options: Nova Blue, Teal Blue, Graphite Grey, Misty Green, Solar Red and Luna White.

The e-scooter completed a testing and validation programme comprising over 550 Design Validation Plan tests, including chassis dynamometer power evaluation, range validation and brake-pressure sensor testing. Accelerated durability assessments were conducted on a Cam Drum Test Rig with a 205 kg payload, alongside water-wading tests at depths between 100 mm and 300 mm, rainstorm exposure and a 260-km mixed-terrain road test between Bengaluru and Hogenakkal.

Sanjeev P, Founder and CEO, E3 Electric.Ai, said, "This is a significant moment for everyone at E3, where engineering, testing and validation translate into a product that is ready to reach our customers. Our philosophy has been simple: build an intelligent, robust, electric scooter engineered for the real world. The rigorous validation programme, particularly our focus on durability across challenging conditions, has been central to that. With production now underway and deliveries beginning in batches from October 7, which also marks our second anniversary, we are proud to take the E3 Trion from the test track to the road and begin this journey with our first 100 customers."

The initial 100 buyers will receive an extended warranty covering the battery and primary components for eight years or 100,000 kilometres, along with one year of roadside assistance. The coverage package applies to the 2.3 kWh battery configuration on the C1 variant and the 3 kWh battery setup on the C1X and C2 variants.

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German automotive luxury brand BMW M has produced its one-millionth vehicle, a BMW M3 finished in BMW Individual Fire Orange III special paintwork, at the BMW Group Plant Munich. The milestone vehicle was presented by Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, to Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M, during an official ceremony.

The production milestone marks over five decades of BMW M manufacturing. Moving forward, the Munich facility will produce the fully electric BMW M3 based on BMW M Neue Klasse technology, following the fully electric BMW i3 as the second Neue Klasse model manufactured at the site.

The Munich facility has produced the current generation of the BMW M3 since 2020. From 2027 onwards, the BMW Group will manufacture exclusively fully electric vehicles at the site. The company is investing approximately EUR 650 million to convert the Munich facility, incorporating a new body shop, vehicle assembly line, and logistics infrastructure across one-third of the total plant area.

Franciscus van Meel said, "BMW M combines road and racetrack capabilities with everyday practicality. The one-millionth BMW M vehicle shows that these values are still very much appreciated by our customers, 40 years after the market launch of the first BMW M3. This motivates us to continuously develop our BMW M high-performance vehicle portfolio based on BMW M Neue Klasse technology, including fully-electric models, in line with our core brand promise."

Peter Weber said, "The BMW M3 has close ties to the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich. We are delighted that we will also be producing the first fully-electric BMW M3 here in Munich. BMW M has a special emotional significance for our associates here – so we are especially proud to be actively shaping the future of this icon."

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  - Prabal Singh October 05, 2026 22:56 PM

  Nah bro nahhh 😭😭

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Ultium Cells, the joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States, to produce lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery cells for General Motors electric vehicles.

The facility is scheduled to begin retooling later this year, with completion expected in 2028. The conversion will enable mass production of prismatic LMR cells, a chemistry which it claims offers up to 33 percent higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) at a similar cost profile.

The project will create 500 positions, expanding the plant's existing workforce of 1,200 employees. The upgrade follows the start of LFP cell production for energy storage systems at the facility in June 2026, bringing cumulative investment across both projects to USD 1 billion by 2030.

The modification will allow Ultium Cells to manufacture high-nickel, LFP and LMR chemistries across pouch and prismatic form factors at the Tennessee site, supplying battery cells for General Motors' North American vehicle assembly plants and external stationary storage applications.

Kurt Kelty, Vice-President of Battery and Sustainability, GM, said, “Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM’s strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation. High-nickel batteries will continue to give customers the highest range in our portfolio, while adding LMR positions us to leapfrog today’s more affordable chemistries and deliver lower costs with better performance. This flexibility allows us to scale efficiently, reach more customers, and support GM’s long-term EV strategy and profitability journey.”

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said, “Ultium Cells’ continued investment in Spring Hill underscores Tennessee’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. I thank Ultium Cells for their commitment to create new, high-quality jobs and to reinforce the strength of Tennessee’s manufacturing economy as we advance toward a future focused on clean, reliable energy.”

Injae Pahk, President, Ultium Cells, said, “This marks Ultium Cells’ second major investment in Spring Hill and reflects the company’s continued growth as a diversified battery cell manufacturer. By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector.”

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced production of the updated Skoda Slavia sedan at its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune, ahead of the festive sales period in India.

The Slavia model line has recorded sales of nearly 80,000 units in India since its initial launch, capturing a segment market share of approximately 30 percent in its segment. The revised version introduces mechanical updates, including an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, alongside a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. It also gets a rear seat massage function, a 360-degree camera system and an infotainment setup with a Google Cloud-powered artificial intelligence assistant.

Andreas Dick, Skoda Auto Chief Production Officer, said, "India has become an increasingly important production location for Skoda Auto and an integral part of our global manufacturing network. Over the years, we have built strong capabilities here, combining local expertise with Skoda Auto’s global standards for quality, efficiency and engineering. The start of production of the new Slavia is another demonstration of these capabilities and further underlines the strategic importance of India within our global operations. We are confident in the continued development of our Indian manufacturing capabilities and their contribution to Skoda Auto’s international growth."

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, "The start of production of the new Slavia marks an important milestone in our India journey and demonstrates the strength of our development and manufacturing capabilities in the country. The Slavia has developed a strong fan base through its design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering, and the new model builds on these strengths with meaningful enhancements in technology, comfort and convenience. With production now underway in Pune, we look forward to bringing the latest evolution of the Slavia to our customers while continuing to deliver the quality and engineering excellence they expect from a Skoda."

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “For over 90 years, sedans have been an integral part of our global heritage. The new Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward. With close to 30% segment share, the Slavia has earned the trust of Indian customers. The new Slavia elevates everything customers value about the car, combining timeless design, European engineering and safety, engaging performance, modern technology, and greater comfort. As we begin production of the new Slavia, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Skoda’s sedan legacy in India with products that remain fresh, relevant, and aspirational.”

The assembly of the model forms part of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's manufacturing operations across its two facilities, which possess a total annual production capacity of 315,000 units. The group surpassed two million locally manufactured vehicles in 2025 and has exported over 725,000 units to more than 40 international markets, supported by product development and localisation efforts at its Technology Centre in Pune.

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